Ilmatar has received unanimous approval from Kristiinankaupunki's Planning Department for the expansion of its wind project in Finland. The green light has been granted for the development of the Västervik 2 wind farm project, signifying a significant step forward in bolstering clean energy infrastructure in the region.
Ilmatar's ambitious plans encompass the construction of up to 27 wind turbines across the Västervik and Västervik 2 projects. The first phase of the Västervik project, currently under construction, is set to generate 56MW of power. The expansion phase, now in the planning stages, is anticipated to contribute an estimated 120-180MW of additional capacity.
Notably, Ilmatar is already in the process of building the Västervik wind farm in the Ostrobothnia region, with completion scheduled by year-end. What sets this initiative apart is Ilmatar's commitment to owning and operating the Västervik wind project for its entire operational lifespan, spanning multiple decades.
In a bid to ensure thorough project development, Ilmatar plans to conduct comprehensive terrain surveys in 2024. Concurrently, they will kickstart the environmental impact assessment procedure, accompanied by multiple public hearings open to all stakeholders as the project progresses.
Ilmatar's Västervik expansion is expected to yield substantial economic benefits for Finland, projecting over €200 million in direct and indirect taxes over the project's lifetime. Furthermore, the project is forecasted to create more than 1,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs, further underscoring the positive impact on local employment and the region's clean energy capacity. This expansion aligns with Finland's commitment to renewable energy and sustainability, marking a notable milestone in the country's green energy journey.
